USA Road trip 8

June 26th Left Monterey and headed out along the coast towards San Francisco. Before we left, I'd had a tip from a wildlife cameraman I talk to on twitter about a place to see lots of sea otters from a closer viewpoint. Moss Landing is a fishing town, looked a bit shabby and it took some time driving to different places and areas to see if we could find the area he mentioned, but eventually (more by luck than judgment) we found the car park and the boardwalk which went along the edge of the harbour mouth - lots of sea lions resting on the dovcks about 10 feet out from where we stood. It was warm and windy and you could certainly hear and smell the sea lions too! Lots of birds flying round as well. A few bits of family bickering because we were all hot & tired and grouchy with living in the same room for days. Kirsty thought she saw a sea otter, I wasn't sure it was one but it would be, it was turning and diving etc but she was adamant it was an otter. Then we walked to the other end of the boardwalk and there they were - I think I counted 30+ all feeding, grooming, diving, floating in the weed. Amazing to see so many and so close - not as close as those in Monterey harbour last night but maybe 30 or 40 yards away. Spent some time watching and taking photos, then set off to San Francisco - our last stop. Took photos along the coast on the way, and checked into hotel about 3.30. Walked along to Wharf 39 and 41 which has more sea lions - but only about 10 there. Not much compared with the ones at Moss Landing & Monterey. Had an ice cream, and walked round the shops & sights. It was warm at about 75 and breezy but pleasant. Had supper in the Boudin Sourdough Bakery - where you can stand outside and watch the bakers making the bread etc. M & K had chilli in a sourdough bread bowl which they said was very nice.